Latest news with #LiUNA
CTV News
23-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Sudbury Waste Management workers strike over pay, demand ‘fair' wages
Waste Management workers are striking along LaSalle Boulevard in Sudbury. LiUNA Local 493 cites pay and cost-of-living concerns. Madison Marier reports. Approximately 25 employees with the commercial unit of Waste Management were picketing outside the company's facility on Lasalle Boulevard in Greater Sudbury Tuesday. The workers, represented by LiUNA Local 493, are striking over wage concerns, arguing their pay has not kept pace with the rising cost of living, unlike in other cities. Sudbury Waste Management Strike About 25 employees with the commercial unit of Waste Management were picketing outside the company's facility on Lasalle Boulevard in Greater Sudbury, Ont. on July 22, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario) In a pamphlet distributed by the union, employees stated, 'We deserve respect for our labour and contributions.' Waste Management confirms strike, remains optimistic for resolution In a statement to CTV News, Waste Management of Canada Corporation acknowledged the ongoing labour dispute. 'Waste Management of Canada Corporation can confirm that LiUNA Local 493 is currently on strike. LiUNA Local 493 represents certain Waste Management employees at the company's collection facility in Sudbury, Ont.' — Waste Management of Canada Corporation, statement The strike began July 18, after union members rejected a proposed contract offer from the company. Waste Management's statement went on to express hope for a resolution, stating: 'As we continue the dialogue with LiUNA Local 493, we're optimistic that we'll arrive at a new contract that benefits all parties. We believe our proposals are fair and competitive, and we are eager to reach an agreement with LiUNA Local 493 that recognizes the drivers' and technicians' many contributions to the company and community.' Union open to talks, workers prepared for long haul Matt Alloway, Local 493's assistant business manager, confirmed that no new talks have taken place since the strike began but emphasized the union's willingness to negotiate. 'We haven't had any recent talks since the strike, but we're always open to talk,' Alloway said. He also noted the determination of the workers to stay on the picket until a deal can be made. '(They're) good. They're strong. They're dedicated,' said Alloway. 'They're willing to be out for quite a while.' No major service disruptions expected Waste Management has assured residents and businesses that the strike will not significantly impact waste collection services. The company clarified that commercial waste collection will continue without major disruptions and residential services – unaffected by the strike – will remain uninterrupted. It remains unclear how long the strike will last as both sides await further negotiations.
CTV News
23-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Commercial waste workers strike in Sudbury, demanding better pay
Northern Ontario Watch 25 Waste Management workers are striking along LaSalle Boulevard in Greater Sudbury. LiUNA Local 493 cites pay and cost-of-living concerns. Union members rejected the company's latest offer on July 18 but say they are open to further talks. The company says most services are currently unaffected by the strike. Madison Marier has more.
CBC
21-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Sudbury, Ont., commercial waste workers hit the picket lines over pay concerns
Workers in Sudbury's commercial waste division walked off the job Friday as part of a strike over wages. The 25 members of the Labourers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 493 say Waste Management's pay hasn't kept up with the rising cost of living, and they're seeking increases to bring them in line with workers in other Ontario cities. While waste collection services for businesses and apartment buildings are affected, residential garbage and recycling pickup continues uninterrupted. That work is handled by a separate division represented by a different union. "The main issue right now is monetary concerns," said Mike Ryan, business manager for Local 493. Ryan said workers are especially frustrated given the cost-of-living increases seen during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. "They're not even maintaining anymore with the price of everything," he said. "They have to work more overtime just to maintain what they had pre-COVID." He added that members are also seeking wage parity with Waste Management employees in cities like Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Waterloo, arguing that Sudbury is among the company's most profitable operations in the province. 'Respect our picket line' While Waste Management has brought in managers and workers from outside the region to continue servicing commercial clients, Ryan warned that service quality may suffer. "There is going to be some slowdown in service," he said. "The members that we represent in the unit are very highly professional." Picketers were seen Monday blocking a Waste Management truck from entering the facility. "There's no legislation at this level that would prevent the employer from bringing in whatever you want to call them, replacement workers or scabs," he said. "So what our members are doing right now is pleading with those people — saying, 'we're on strike here for causes reasons and please respect our picket line.'" Ryan said Waste Management presented what they considered a fair and equitable final offer, but when the membership held a ratification vote, it was overwhelmingly rejected. In a statement to CBC News, Waste Management spokesperson Jessica Kropf confirmed the strike and said the company remains committed to negotiating in good faith. "We believe our proposals are fair and competitive," she said. "We are eager to reach an agreement with LiUNA Local 493 that recognizes the drivers' and technicians' many contributions to the company and community." She added that no disruptions to commercial service are expected and the company is working closely with affected clients. The City of Greater Sudbury said it does not comment on the operations of private companies but confirmed that residential waste collection is not impacted by the strike. Currently, the next meeting is open-ended, Ryan said he's ready to return to the bargaining table if Waste Management initiates contact and shows willingness to address the workers' concerns.
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Fengate closes on transit-oriented purpose-built rental site in Etobicoke
TORONTO, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fengate Asset Management ('Fengate') is pleased to announce the closing of a landmark purpose-built rental development site at 4–10 Beamish Drive in Etobicoke, a strategic, transit-oriented parcel located just steps from the Kipling Transit Hub. Adding to its growing multi-family portfolio, Fengate is managing this investment on behalf of the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada ('LiUNA'), as well as another Canadian pension fund. Set to begin construction in 2026, the site is zoned for a 44-storey, 509-unit residential tower which will offer a range of units from studios to three-bedroom units within a modern, connected, and community-focused living experience in one of Toronto's most rapidly transforming neighbourhoods. Located at the intersections of Dundas Street West, Bloor Street West, and Kipling Avenue, the site is well positioned with direct access to TTC subway lines, GO Transit, and MiWay bus services, providing seamless connectivity across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). 'We are proud to partner on another development that will introduce more high quality purpose-built rental homes to the city and create jobs for skilled trades workers,' said Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada and Chair of the Board of Trustees at LiUNA. 'Through each new project, we are advancing LiUNA's mission of building up stronger communities and enhancing the quality of life for Canadians while generating positive financial returns for the members of LiUNA.' 4–10 Beamish Drive will complement the broader Six Points Redevelopment Plan, a transformative initiative by the City of Toronto that aims to improve roadways, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and create mixed-use destinations such as the new Etobicoke Civic Centre, which includes a library, art gallery, childcare centre, and recreation facilities. The Plan also adds over 12,000 square metres of new parkland, including Dunkip Park, and features a district energy system for near-zero emissions. 'This development represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering dynamic, transit-connected rental housing in vibrant urban communities,' said Jaime McKenna, President, Fengate Real Estate. 'With its proximity to major transit, retail, and civic amenities, 4–10 Beamish Drive is poised to become a cornerstone of the Six Points neighbourhood revitalization, creating more jobs and bringing more homes to Toronto's housing market.' 4–10 Beamish Drive will target the Toronto Green Standard for sustainable building design and LEED Silver certification, aligning with Fengate's mission of sustainable urban development and community integration. With three residential developments in construction in the first half of 2025 and another three in construction before the end of the year, and a pipeline of over 25,000 residential units to be delivered over the next 10 years, Fengate is committed to providing a diverse range of best-in-class rental housing solutions to meet the needs of Canadians. MEDIA CONTACT Matthew Ventura Director, Communications and Marketing, Real Estate Fengate Asset Management 416-432-6194 About the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada Established in 1972, the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC) is one of the largest multi-employer pension funds in Canada. With a diverse investment portfolio and over $12 billion in assets, LPFCEC has yielded positive returns for the plan, great work opportunities for LiUNA members, and has created many needed institutions across North America through a broad range of investments. Learn more at . About Fengate Asset Management Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager, with more than $40 billion of assets under management, focused on infrastructure, private equity, and real estate strategies. With offices and team members in Canada and the United States, Fengate has a proven track record of successful projects and partnerships and an established reputation as one of the most active real asset investors and developers in North America. Fengate Real Estate, a division of Fengate Asset Management, is a fully integrated real estate investment, development and asset management platform with a $20 billion portfolio, including a 25,000+ residential unit pipeline and 5M+ square feet of industrial space in varying stages of development. Learn more at .
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Production Assistants' Union Drive Gets Boost From Bernie Sanders Rally: 'Studios Will Push Back'
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour stop in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday featured politicians, famous musicians, labor leaders — and Hollywood production assistants. Echoing the event's ethos of challenging corporate interests and billionaires, labor organizers focused on one of the entertainment industry's most crucial but unglamorous roles made a fiery unionization pitch to the reported 36,000 attendees. In the process, they put a spotlight on wages and working conditions as they described production assistants as being primed to build 'working-class power.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Green Day Blaze Through Headline Set, Charli XCX Brings Star Power at Coachella Day 2 Bernie Sanders Blasts Trump and Musk During Surprise Coachella Appearance SAG-AFTRA and Advertisers Reach Tentative Agreement on Successor Contracts Thousands of production assistants are 'sick and tired of being underpaid, overworked and unprotected,' said LiUNA Local 724 business manager Alex Aguilar, whose Local is heading up the union-organization effort, in a speech. 'That stops!' Organizer Clio Byrne-Gudding, a production assistant who has in the past worked on Rebel Moon parts one and two, addressed production assistants directly: 'Will you continue to allow the corporate class to walk all over you and your coworkers? Or will you stand up and put your talents to use to protect your life and the lives of your fellow PAs?' The appearance was the highest-profile yet for LiUNA organizers aiming to create a nationwide production assistants' union. The group went public at a Labor Day parade in 2024 and now have organizers in New York, Texas, Illinois and Georgia, Byrne-Gudding said on Saturday. The group's key objectives are to raise wages, address turnaround times and institute union-administered health insurance coverage. But, as organizers mentioned at the rally, they're also looking to revolutionize a typical career pathway for entry-level workers in Hollywood. 'We're organizing not just to fix one job but to transform the entire industry for future generations of workers,' said Ethan Ravens, another organizer with the group. Ravens spoke to waking up at 2 or 3 a.m. for the job, working 16-plus hour days and then getting 'five or less hours of sleep' before repeating the cycle the next day. He said he knew PAs who had fallen asleep at the wheel while working productions' sometimes-punishing hours. 'Some of Hollywood's biggest players are the largest, most profitable companies in the world,' Ravens said in his speech. 'We're talking about Apple, Disney, Amazon. And as a PA, we're expected to carry the weight of these Hollywood productions on our backs.' Organizer Nalani Rodgers speculated on how Hollywood companies might respond to the half-a-year-old union drive in a speech. 'Studios will push back, they'll tell you you're just lucky to be here, that things will never change and it is what it is,' she said. 'You and your fellow workers must resist giving into fear.' The appearance preceded a rally that will take place for the organizing effort on May 4 in Burbank. The organizers are ramping up their efforts at a challenging time for crew members, especially in Los Angeles, where on-location production days fell 22 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with a year prior. State-wide, film, TV and sound jobs were down 25 percent in California in 2024 compared with 2022, before the double strikes of 2023. Byrne-Gudding acknowledged that they have seen PAs endure 'joblessness and poverty' during their time in the industry. 'Things have been hell in Hollywood and in the world,' Byrne-Gudding said. Still, Byrne-Gudding urged their cohort to keep their eye on the ball. 'Many in the film business would tell you that winning protections for PAs in impossible. But you know what? Here in the film business, we do the impossible on a daily basis.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
